EARLY QUESTING

1. Read the Front Page. This is a rather obvious point, but make sure you’re familiar with all the information given. There’s a lot of depth to Lunaria, and you can’t properly add depth to your own character if you’re not well versed in the aspects of this world.
2. Research the Existing Characters. Here at Legend of Lunaria we feel obligated to protect the individuality and unique aspects of our existing characters. Thus, we urge you to read up on and become familiar with your potentially future RP buddies. A character that is completely unique to you is more rewarding in the long run, as it gives you something exotic and special to work with. Things like family businesses (Lunaria already has pyrotechnics, tattoo artists, Beijing inspired operas, and a [ex-]circus rat) should be avoided. However, if kid X’s family are fruit merchants, there’s no reason your family/character can’t be merchants too – but perhaps they’re glass blowers, and sell their specialized wares instead. General things such as warriors, loyal activists, merchants, farmers, and the likes are free game – but try to add your own spin on things.
3. Stay in context! Lunaria is pretty much completely isolated from the outside world. They have separate customs, ways of living, and dialect. However, remember that Lunaria has a heavy Asian influence, but no truly advanced technology. Your character can’t watch TV, but he could go see Kabuki-esque dramas.
4. Have a Proper Attitude. It’s incredibly rare to have a 100% flawless character right off the bat. If you’re asking for critique you should be prepared to make changes. Flexibility in your design is key – yes, we want you to keep those unique quirks, but you can’t expect to be able to keep everything. If you can’t handle that, or just aren’t willing to change anything about your character then you shouldn’t ask for crits. Have an opened mind, maybe Ming Liu is great right now, but fleshing out this, or perhaps omitted here or a tweak there will make her that much better.
5. Formatting. For the sake of all the eyes of the critiquers and markers, we’d like to ask you to kindly keep your font size at 11 or larger. Spacing out information in an organized fashion is also much appreciated. Banners are not necessary, but they can give your quest that extra “wow” factor. Sure, we’re looking at your content, but having an aesthetically pleasing quest never hurts.

YOUR CHARACTER

Personality
1. Have some Flaws! Flaws make a character, they’re the things that make your character real and relatable. If there aren’t any flaws, well, you have a huge problem. If you need to, head over to a search engine, and search for a list of character flaws – but you should be able to think of one yourself. Flaws often stem from upbringing, so tie that in too, if possible! Make sure, however, you can accurately play the flaw you’ve chosen, why have one if it’ll never show up?
2. Be Creative! Carbon-copies and clichés may create characters, but you’ll be much happier if you’re creative and use your own imagination. Put some of your interests or research something exciting and particular to fuel your character. Creative characters are more fun to interact with, and they definitely stand out.

Magic & Weapons
1. One Magic Type. It is possible for a Lunarian to practice two types of magic, however, this Lunarian will find that his skills in both will be minimal. Only when he focuses on one magic type will he be able to properly train and strengthen his magical abilities. So, yes, your Lunarian can balance two types of magic, but both will be weak and when/if he (or she) chooses to focus on one later on he or she will have to play a lot of catch up.
2. Conduits have Channels, Fighters have Weapons. Fighters, or aspiring ones, are the only Lunarians who actually have weapons. Soul conduits can optionally have a channel – something to help them focus and strengthen their ki, but they cannot have weapons.
3. Fighters Don’t Use Soul Magic. Soul magic is an incredibly difficult sort of magic to learn, that’s why we a small group of soul conduits who study it intensely. It’s too demanding a magic type to be learned alongside mastering a weapon.

Overall
1. Room to grow. There’s no point in creating your character if you don’t leave any room for character development. How will your character mature? Your Lunarian can’t be good at everything right off the bad, after all they’re just academy students in the beginning! They have a lot to learn, and that’s part of the fun!
2. Back it up! Make sure all your facts suit your character! Maybe you love cross-dressers, but does it make sense regarding your Lunarian? Your character is like a puzzle, and everything should fit together nicely. Maybe, as much as you love your girly boys, it’s time to try out a manly one if it’s the better fit.

DURING QUESTING

1. Crits aren’t Compliments. Remember that you might not hear what you want to hear all the time. Critique isn’t meant to be a round of a**-pats. When you ask for critique you want to hear everything that’s wrong about your character, or the weaker portions of your quest so you can make it better. Having a fresh pair of eyes is always beneficial, and while all critiques should be respectful (bashing is not allowed) remember that asking for critique is not the same thing as asking for some “omg! your character is soooo awesome”.
2. Respect! Sure, you won’t always hear what you want, as stated above, but you should still take it like a man – a gentleman. If you don’t agree with what your critiquer said, fine, but politely thank them anyways. Critiquers will always give you respect as long as you do the same.

CHECKLIST

1. Is my quest thread easy to read and (optional but preferred) visually appealing?
2. Does everything make sense given Lunaria’s setting?
3. Does my character stand out? Is he/she different and unique?
4. Does he/she have real flaws?
5. Is his/her personality fleshed out? Does my character have depth?
6. Is there room for my character to change and grow?
7. Are there any distracting grammatical errors or spelling errors?
8. If I’m asking for crits can I take the bad with the good? Am I willing to make changes to my character?